"The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" premieres in New York

"The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" premiered in New York Thursday night at the Ziegfeld Theater.

The film's director, Peter Jackson, and cast members Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman and Richard Armitage all attended the premiere, which benefited the American Film Institute.

Actors Liv Tyler, Cody Horn, Chevy Chase and Patrick Stewart were also in attendance.

"The Hobbit: An Unexpecter Journey" Bibo Baggins' (Freeman) journey to the Lonely Mountain to reclaim the treasure that was stolen from him and a group of Dwarves by the dragon Smaug.

The film is scheduled to be released Dec. 14.